What training requirements are there for your position?
Master's degree in a counseling related field (mine was in rehabilitation counseling) and be an LPC
Are there certain licensure or certification requirements that you must have and upkeep?
LPC and three of us hold NCC, but that is not required
What is a typical day like in your job?
No such thing as a typical day-never knew who would come in to the office and what brought them in--relationship issues to current suicidal thoughts, we could present to a class or group and/or be called out after hours on an emergency
How would you describe the conditions/place of your employment?
We like having our own wing for sessions. We keep our waiting area serene with soft lighting and music. What we don't like is not having a room big enough for group work
What types of clients do you usually work with?
Anyone who is enrolled in classes for the semester. Over the summer if they are not enrolled in classes, but are for the fall that works. In a couple one of the people in the relationship must be a student. We see anyone who is having roommate issues up to more serious mental health issues.
Is there a specific student population that you help more often than others?
I would get a lot of the students who came in with substance abuse issues-that was my concentration in grad school
What are some of the most common issue(s) that may arise with your clients?
Anxiety, home sickness (in the fall semesters), relationship issues, stress, depression
Why do you think that this issue(s) is such a common problem?
These are students who may not have had the best upbringing and issues in college have brought these to light, also if there is a history of mental illness in the family it may not manifest itself until early 20s and they are on their own and it is up to them to be responsible and stay focused--all this 3 months after graduating high school.
10.What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?
When working with a student and they have an "Ah ha" moment--then the work really begins
11.What type of individual would be best suited for this a position such as yours?
Someone who meets the requirements in #s 1 and 2 and someone who has had experiences in other agencies-areas. I had experience in substance abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault
12.Are there any professional organizations that would be beneficial to be a part of?
Texas Counseling Association, Piney Woods Counseling Association, Texas University and College Counseling Centers and American Counseling Association--any or all depending on specializations
13.Are there any legislative issues in your specialty that come to mind?
There is always questions about billing, but our services are free. We follow our LPC guidelines
14.What is the most common topic being researched in your topic currently?
In substance abuse it is all the new drugs that are out to entice under age use.
Questions and Answers
- What was/is your current position?
- Counselor
- What training requirements are there for your position?
- Master's degree in a counseling related field (mine was in rehabilitation counseling) and be an LPC
- Are there certain licensure or certification requirements that you must have and upkeep?
- LPC and three of us hold NCC, but that is not required
- What is a typical day like in your job?
- No such thing as a typical day-never knew who would come in to the office and what brought them in--relationship issues to current suicidal thoughts, we could present to a class or group and/or be called out after hours on an emergency
- How would you describe the conditions/place of your employment?
- We like having our own wing for sessions. We keep our waiting area serene with soft lighting and music. What we don't like is not having a room big enough for group work
- What types of clients do you usually work with?
- Anyone who is enrolled in classes for the semester. Over the summer if they are not enrolled in classes, but are for the fall that works. In a couple one of the people in the relationship must be a student. We see anyone who is having roommate issues up to more serious mental health issues.
- Is there a specific student population that you help more often than others?
- I would get a lot of the students who came in with substance abuse issues-that was my concentration in grad school
- What are some of the most common issue(s) that may arise with your clients?
- Anxiety, home sickness (in the fall semesters), relationship issues, stress, depression
- Why do you think that this issue(s) is such a common problem?
- These are students who may not have had the best upbringing and issues in college have brought these to light, also if there is a history of mental illness in the family it may not manifest itself until early 20s and they are on their own and it is up to them to be responsible and stay focused--all this 3 months after graduating high school.
10.What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?- When working with a student and they have an "Ah ha" moment--then the work really begins
11.What type of individual would be best suited for this a position such as yours?- Someone who meets the requirements in #s 1 and 2 and someone who has had experiences in other agencies-areas. I had experience in substance abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault
12.Are there any professional organizations that would be beneficial to be a part of?- Texas Counseling Association, Piney Woods Counseling Association, Texas University and College Counseling Centers and American Counseling Association--any or all depending on specializations
13.Are there any legislative issues in your specialty that come to mind?- There is always questions about billing, but our services are free. We follow our LPC guidelines
14.What is the most common topic being researched in your topic currently?